Our Mission

To help schools make recess a fun and enjoyable learning experience for every child, every day.

About the Trouble-free Playground Program

The Trouble-free Playground program was created by award-winning teacher and author, Curt Hinson, Ph.D. The program provides schools with a practical 6-Step approach to solving the problems associated with recess in the elementary school. Dr. Hinson has spent more than two decades analyzing not only the physical aspects of children’s games, but the social/emotional content as well. His ideas have helped thousands of schools nationwide make recess a pleasurable time for both children and school staff members. Dr. Hinson uses games and activities that focus on social/emotional skill development to help kids learn to become responsible for their own actions. The Trouble-free Playground program will provide you with the 6-steps to help make your playground and school trouble-free.

Presented by Curt Hinson, Ph.D.

The Trouble-free Playground Philosophy:

The Trouble-free Playground program is based on a specific philosophy that focuses on three principles:

• Self-responsibility
• Intrinsic motivation
• Inclusion style of teaching

Each of these principles is explained and demonstrated.

Participants learn how to:

• Create and develop self-responsibility among students in regards to learning and behavior.
• Increase intrinsic motivation to participate, learn and be respectful.
• Use the Inclusion-style of teaching to ensure everyone participates.

The 6-Steps to a Trouble-free Playground:

The Trouble-free Playground program covers six different “steps” that, when implemented and followed, change the way children play and get along on the playground. These steps include:

1. How to teach social/emotional skills so children learn to get along.
2. How to change the games children play to make them more developmentally appropriate.
3. How to change the perception of recess from just “free time” to “productive free time.”
4. How to develop self-responsibility and increase intrinsic motivation among students.
5. How to teach games to children.
6. How to integrate recess into the classroom so it becomes a valued part of the day.

Space Requirements:

This workshop is usually best suited for a large room, such as a cafeteria, gymnasium or multi-purpose room. Chairs (tables are optional) should be provided for the participants. Because part of the workshop is interactive, some open space for the participants to move around and interact is preferred. An LCD projector and screen are also needed.

Activity:

During part of the workshop participants will be interacting and moving. The activity is, for the most part, light to moderate and involves mostly walking and talking. However, participants are encouraged to participate at their own discretion. No one is forced to participate, it is strictly voluntary.

Learning Objectives of the Trouble-free Playground Staff Development Workshop:

Participants will learn how to:

• Teach much needed social-emotional skills that will impact discipline at your school.
• Change the way children play, as well as the activities they choose.
• Motivate children to learn and play.
• Teach children games they can start and continue on their own without constant adult supervision.
• Integrate curricular concepts with recess and play.
• Teach children to be responsible for their actions and behavior through physical activity.
• Make recess a fun, active and valuable learning experience for children.

Scheduling a workshop:

Contact us at:

• Phone: 302-438-3257
• Fax: 302-234-3168
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Mail: PlayFit Education Inc., 1945 Melson Way, Hockessin DE 19707

Thank you for your interest in hosting a Trouble-free Playground staff-training workshop for the staff at your school or school district. If you’re like most schools, you have lots of questions that you need answered before you spend money and time on a workshop that focuses on the playground and recess. Below we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions that get asked prior to holding a workshop. Hopefully, the questions you need answered are here, if not, please contact us with your question and then we can add it to the list.

The Trouble-free Playground program is based on the following supporting evidence, data and information:

The Trouble-free Playground Program is designed to encompass the following 4 concepts:

1. Develop social-emotional intelligence.
2. Engage students in highly-active, constant movement-type games and activities.
3. Develop self-responsibility and intrinsic motivation.
4. Use the inclusion-style of teaching.

Below is a description of each of the four concepts and supporting evidence as to why each concept is important in regards to creating a trouble-free playground.

Throughout the year we offer the 6-Steps to a Trouble-free Playground workshop in various cities around the country. This workshop is typically held at hotel conference centers in major cities and is open to anyone. It requires an admission fee to attend. Below is a list of upcoming locations and dates. Check back here often for updates on dates and locations.

“Dr. Hinson’s Trouble-free Playground workshop was filled with practical, helpful tools that changed our playground. We used to have competition that turned to anger as too many students were playing games they didn’t understand. Now we have appropriate games in which everyone can compete at their own level. There is something for everyone and no more tears! I am glad we have incorporated this program, which helps support the social-emotional growth of our students.”

Dr. Rebecca DeWald, Principal

Pierce Elementary School

Cedar Rapids IA